Three words that make the heart of an automotive journalist stop more than a press trip buffet table; long term tester.

Thanks to the folks at Hyundai Auto Canada, a Cabernet Red Pearl Genesis 4.6L Sedan will be making its home in Manitoba for the coming months, as a long-term tester for CD, as well as The Roadtrip with Kelly Taylor and Michael Clark on CJOB 680. Equipped with the Technology Package Upgrade, this top-juice luxo-sedan carries an MSRP of $49,999. Let your noddle warm over that number for a minute: under 50-large for a V8, rear-drive, full-whack loaded festival of sport and comfort: sounds too good to be true. (Pricing shown does not include freight, taxes, regional or promotional incentives.)

The Cockpit/Centre Stack

Moving from left to right, we begin with the driver’s door pod and surrounding controls. Power window lifts occur, with Auto ascent/descent for the front panes. The mirror toggle controls heated, self-dimming exterior mirrors, equipped with turn signal indicators. Power folding mirrors have yet to arrive. Towards the door pocket postal code are power releases for trunk and fuel door. Near the door handle is the two memory position keys, for driver’s seat, mirror, and power tilt/telescoping column placement. This switch bank includes an inspired location for the rear power sunshade, which will collapse during Reverse engagement.

Front and rear passengers are greeted by blue-glow sill plates. Puddle lamps have been placed on the underbelly of the door panels. To the left of the driver is the switch bank for the parking sensors, Adaptive Front Lighting System, stability control, IP dimmer, and the electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold. It will allow the vehicle to remain stationary, with no brake pedal input, and release only when the gas pedal is depressed. The Lexus-esque four-spoke wheel sports keys for audio, Bluetooth phone, Smart Cruise Control, and voice-activated feature access. There’s also an access key for the IP information display, with the expected fuel economy mapping.

The six-speed SHIFTRONIC includes a manu-gate at floor level, with no shift paddle availability for the current model year. Auto headlamps are included, as well as auto rain-sensing windshield wipers. First impressions of the Driver Information System with Multimedia Controller drew a smidge of eye mist for the simplicity of the twist access to everything from HVAC to audio tailoring.

The 6-DVD Lexicon audio head unit doesn’t just sound like the innards of a Rolls Royce (the only other place you can get it); it also includes a simple volume knob, all by its well-thought lonesome, within close reach of the driver. The HVAC controls form a Mona Lisa smile beneath the Navi/info display. Venting occurs in the rear for the B-pillar and the rear of the console, with a simple dial for temperature adjustment on the console outlets. The clarity of the screen for audio, reverse camera view, and the Navi map are first-rate. Detailed use analysis will follow in future updates.